Caring for Our Youngest Patients When It Matters Most

At North Star Pediatrics, we take the health and well-being of your child seriously. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our brand-new Pediatric Urgent Care—the first and only center of its kind in the region. Designed to offer fast, expert, and compassionate care when you need it most, our state-of-the-art facility is dedicated exclusively to the urgent medical needs of infants, children, and adolescents. We’re here to ensure every child receives the quality care they deserve in a warm and welcoming environment.

Located at 1571 Washington St, Suite 107 in Watertown’s North Country Orthopaedic building, our new Pediatric Urgent Care will begin seeing patients on Monday, March 31, 2025. As an extension of North Star Pediatrics, the clinic is thoughtfully designed with separate areas for routine visits and for when your child is sick—ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for every visit. Now, families can access fast, board-certified care for common pediatric emergencies like fevers, injuries, and illnesses, all without the long wait typical in an ER.

Board Certified Pediatricians

As a proud member of the North Star Health Alliance, North Star Pediatrics is dedicated to providing patient-centered pediatric care that families in Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence counties, and the Fort Drum area can rely on. Our mission is to enhance every child’s health and well-being by addressing their unique medical needs and promoting overall wellness through education on healthy practices. Whether you visit our new Pediatric Urgent Care in Watertown or see one of our providers for primary care, our dedicated team of board-certified professionals is committed to delivering compassionate, expert care tailored to each child’s needs, offering the support necessary for them to flourish every day.

Staffed by experienced pediatricians, advanced practitioners, and pediatric-trained nurses, our new Pediatric Urgent Care center is designed to address urgent medical needs that are not life-threatening but require immediate attention—especially when your child’s primary care provider is unavailable. Our trusted team, including Dr. John Devine, MD; Dr. Joseph Gianfagna, MD; Dr. Josiree Ochotorena, MD, FAAP; Dr. Fernando Ongkingco, MD, FAAP; Dr. Sandra Timerman, MD, FAAP; and Alta Watkins, PA-C, is here to provide the expert care your child needs when it matters most.

Our Services

At North Star Pediatrics Urgent Care, we provide fast, expert care for children from 1 month to 18 years old. Common conditions we treat include:

• Colds, Flu & Breathing Issues: Cough, wheezing, asthma flare-ups, croup, and mild respiratory distress

• Fever, Vomiting & Diarrhea: Quick relief for common symptoms of illness and dehydration

• Injuries & Urgent Needs: Cuts needing stitches, sprains, minor fractures, and other non-life-threatening injuries

• Skin Issues: Rashes, eczema flare-ups, hives, minor burns, and wart removal

• Eye & Ear Concerns: Pink eye, minor eye irritations, and removal of foreign objects from the ears or nose

• Minor Procedures: Tick and splinter removal, basic wound care, and more

• Infections & Rapid Testing: Diagnosis and treatment for strep throat, flu, RSV, COVID, UTIs, and more—with on-site rapid testing

• Lab & Diagnostic Services: On-site blood draws and urinalysis

• And more

Why Choose Our Pediatric Urgent Care

With evening and weekend hours and no appointment needed, our center ensures fast, high-quality care when you need it most. Enjoy a child-friendly environment featuring colorful decor, child-sized furniture, and separate areas for ill and well visits—designed to ease fear and anxiety.

Our care team uses child-centered techniques, including numbing creams and distraction methods, to reduce pain and stress during procedures. After each visit, we coordinate with your child’s primary care provider for seamless follow-up care. As part of the North Star Health Alliance, we proudly expand access to compassionate, specialized pediatric care for families across the North Country.

North Star Pediatrics Urgent Care

Our Providers

• Joseph C. Gianfagna, MD, FAAP

• Josiree Ochotorena, MD, FAAP

• Fernando Ongkingco, III, MD, FAAP

• Sandra Timerman, MD, FAAP

• John Devine, MD, FAAP

• Joyce Ndungu, DNP, FNP-C

• Alta Watkins, PA-C,

Pediatric Urgent Care

1571 Washington Street, Suite 107
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: 315.788.2211
Fax:  315.788.0729

Clinic Hours of Operation

• Monday – Friday: 2 PM – 8 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM – 3 PM